Piazza Navona

Lunch StopOur last day in Rome. Perhaps it was sour grapes after the day before, but I didn't especially enjoy the visit to the Vatican, although one can hardly fail to be impressed. It is hard to feel spiritual in the midst of a total mob scene. At some point, I gave up looking at the Basilica and just watched the crowd looking at the Basilica.

Another long wander on foot, past galleries, antique stores, street beggars who literally defied belief (see the orange-robed photo, please), and into the Piazza Navona. Here street artists ruled the day: portraits, caricatures, landscapes, some rather good, some rather not. One last fountain to admire, and then back to our hotel and a fine farewell dinner. With one parting thought: I am not done with Rome - I will come back.